Garry Kasparov: Kissinger, Putin and reputation laundering
Money laundering is a big business in Vladimir Putin’s kleptocracy, with hundreds of billions of dollars in looted Russian cash being cleaned through Western banks, businesses, and IPOs. But just as important for Putin’s continued survival as the absolute dictator of Russia is reputation laundering, demonstrating to his cronies and foreign apologists that he has the connections and credibility to protect their money and other interests. Crucial to this mission are people like Putin’s “old friend” Henry Kissinger, former US Secretary of State and proud champion of the “pragmatic” foreign policy concept that says there is no room for discussions of morality or good or evil in the world, only state interests.